The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
Stand up, and with your hand on the Bible
Tell the truth to one and all
'Cause you know that feeling
When you've got your back against the wall.
My God, it's only Tuesday tomorrow
And "Loved One's" gone and blown it all
Now you've got no money and you feel your back against the wall.
Well, if you talk to your brothers and they don't give a damn
And you look like you're gonna fall
You can call my number when you feel your back against the wall.
Some Tripper's got you right in a corner
And you feel you're gonna lose it all
Now you don't want trouble but you feel your back's against the wall.
So the guy moves forward but you hold him away
Shit there's no one there to hear you call
So you take your chances and you push him back against the wall.
Now the guy's in the gutter and you don't give a damn
And he looks kind of weak and small
'Cause you called his number when you felt your back against the wall.
Stand up, and with your hand on the Bible
Tell the truth to one and all
'Cause you know that feeling
When you've got your back against the wall.
Well, if you talk to your brothers and they don't give a damn
And you look like you're gonna fall
You can call my number when you feel your back against the wall.
Tell the truth to one and all
'Cause you know that feeling
When you've got your back against the wall.
My God, it's only Tuesday tomorrow
And "Loved One's" gone and blown it all
Now you've got no money and you feel your back against the wall.
Well, if you talk to your brothers and they don't give a damn
And you look like you're gonna fall
You can call my number when you feel your back against the wall.
Some Tripper's got you right in a corner
And you feel you're gonna lose it all
Now you don't want trouble but you feel your back's against the wall.
So the guy moves forward but you hold him away
Shit there's no one there to hear you call
So you take your chances and you push him back against the wall.
Now the guy's in the gutter and you don't give a damn
And he looks kind of weak and small
'Cause you called his number when you felt your back against the wall.
Stand up, and with your hand on the Bible
Tell the truth to one and all
'Cause you know that feeling
When you've got your back against the wall.
Well, if you talk to your brothers and they don't give a damn
And you look like you're gonna fall
You can call my number when you feel your back against the wall.
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In regards to the meaning of this song:
Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
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Page
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There aren’t many things that’ll hurt more than giving love a chance against your better judgement only to have your heart crushed yet again. Ed Sheeran tells such a story on “Page.” On this track, he is devastated to have lost his lover and even more saddened by the feeling that he may never move on from this.
Not a project song, and not very good, either.